Seizures

[Abby and Raya]

Hi Everyone. I just joined doodle kisses and currently have a healthy doodle (fingers crossed). I did lose my first doodle to severe epilepsy. If anyone is dealing with seizures in their doodles and looking for support and someone to talk to, please email. I have been there and understand what you are going through!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

My expereince is that the more stressed the dog is the more likely he is to have some type of episode. from what you are saying though his episodes seem to me infrequent and "mild" and not causing any harm to him. I would continue to watch him abd tell your regular vet. I wouldn't consider medicating him for this unless the frequency and/or severity increase. When Jack is having these episodes is he aware of things around him. For example does he respond to your petting him? Is it possible that it could be like the chills?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Hi-
Jack is fully conscious when it happens, and seems to be aware of me trying to calm him. My daughter has noticed that he becomes agitated just before it happens. It's definitely not like shivering, he seems to completely lose control of his lower jaw and maybe some of his facial muscles.
The vets do not seem to be too concerned about it & have not suggested medication. He just has so many different issues going on at various times, I guess I am trying to tie things together in an attempt to get a handle on it, maybe just to make myself feel less overwhelmed or more confident about his care. I am forever afraid that I'm doing something that will make him worse, or aggravate something...this last set of problems (it now appears that he has either gotten an ectoparasite from my recent foster, or his immune system has become further compromised, or both) was brought on by just a regular bath & grooming. I have never had a dog with so many medical & psychological issues before. So I appreciate any info or advice from those of you who are living with dogs whose needs exceed the average doodle's. Thank you for your support.

[Abby and Raya]

I would continue to keep a log of what is going on with Jack at the times these episodes are happening. Most likely they are connected to the other issues he has. You may want to look into seeing a neurologist for Jack and getting another opinion. I hope he is feeling better soon!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks...sometimes it helps to just have a place to talk about it. He is on so many different medications and supplements, and then something happens and I have to increase or decrease or discontinue something, or add something else...and always feeling guilty that he's not getting what he needs attention-wise or training-wise, or exercise-wise...well, I didn't mean to complain here. Thanks for your comments & support.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Karen - You are not complaining - you are just asking for advice. You are not alone. We all worry more about our special needs guys. Sometime we over analyze things. Mariner continues to have active dreams. We have been reassured that there is nothing to worry about, but we still watch to make sure that they are nothing more. Give Jack a hug for us.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Thanks, Andy. This last episode was accompanied by very bizarre group of new symptoms, and I just got overwhelmed. Jack's regular vet is now thinking it may be thyroid related, which makes sense after reading some of the info on-line. It would make me feel better if we could get a handle on what we're dealing with, at least then I wouldn't have to second-guess everything all the time. I appreciate your support.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Mariner had a petit seizure this evening. Spoke to vet. He said just to watch him. That there is not a big concern unless he has repeated seizure tonight. He said to call him at home if there we have any problems with him tonight.

We gave him his medicine right after the seizure. Mariner is sleeping now. He was alert shortly after the seizure. It happened while the dogs were outside. Boomer was barking at the front door to get our attention. He knew that Mariner was having a problem. Boomer is so smart!!!

Hopefully this is just a little bump in the road.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack and I are thinking of Mariner & your whole crew, & sending all good doodle wishes that this is just a teeny bump in the road. We always say, it's ten steps forward & one step back. It's heartwarming that Boomer looks out for his brother like that...with so many looking out for him, we know Mariner will continue to make good progress!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Mariner just had a seizure. He had been outside with the other two guys. Mailman had given them a treats. Mariner lost his treat so Sharon called them in and gave Mariner a treat. He ate the treat and then went to go on the couch. All of the sudden he started to foam at the mouth and then started to seize. We comforted him - it lasted a couple of minutes. It seemed longer. We gave him an additional dose of the phenobarb.

After the seizure he was totally back to himself. No confusion and totally oreinted. Right now he is eating.

From looking at my last post it seems as though his last seizure was about a month ago. I will discuss increasing his medication slightly.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I'm so sorry to hear this, Andy, but I'm glad Mariner is back to himself and seems fine. Maybe a slight increase in his meds would help. I hope he continues to be well. Hugs to you all.

[Abby and Raya]

Raya and I hope that Mariner has a good evening. If the seizures start happening more than once a month I would talk with the vet. Lila's neurologist told me that seizures make the pathway for more seizures. Was this one the same severity as the others?

[Abby and Raya]

I hope Mariner has a quiet evening!